Mystery at Gildcrypt Manor

Game Master Roxboyxiii

And here we go!

Alright then. First task is simple. Tell me how you get to the manner. Alone or with another player? On foot, horse, magic, or some other means of travel? When you get your rides down in the Gameplay, I'll dis rube the manner in all its gothic beauty and we can get this shin dig Rollin. Have fun!

Travelling by keelboat from the east, if anyone is interested in taking that route.

Lady Arianne Thornhild (or Ari, as she liked to be called by her few friends) stared out at the water before her, lost in thought. On the other side of the keelboat, one of her brother's men continued to vomit over the edge, his skin almost as green as hers, though it had been barely a week from Lastwall.

They were nearly there. Soon, she and her maid, Lissie, would be fetched at the port by one of Lord Morningstar's servants, and she would see what had her brother Rainer so ready to fall at that man's feet. Hopefully, he had a good library. She looked wistfully at what the menservants were up to, namely, playing cards and picking at their teeth with knives. She would rather have stayed in their company - she had learnt of some excellent throwing weapons - than go off to impress society, but they had business of their own here.

She stared at her reflection in the water, practicing her facial expressions. Thanks to her little fangs (the only small part of her), her smile looked like a snarl, her polite interest looked like she'd taken a knock upside the head, and her flirtatious face... only comparisons to bad digestion would do.

Maybe, as she had so often threatened as a child, she really should run away to join the orcs. They'd appreciate both her talents and her size far more.

She sighed again. This was going to be a rough stay.

Ayaki peers out the window of the carriage, looking at the Manor. What does he want with me? As the carriage stops, she steps out and pays the driver, then pats the horse on the flank. She is wearing a red dress, fit for a noble, with a signet ring on her left hand. She sees a keelboat in the distance, and smiles. Company,hmmm..

Beatrice muttered a curse under her breath. She hated riding by carriage. She much preferred to travel by ship for the vast freedom it delivered, the delicate rocking of the ship that could ease her to sleep and most importantly, the lack of animal excrement.

Frustrated, she tapped her foot against the wooden floor and began to toy with a strand of her hair. She was not quite sure what to expect at the Gildcrypt manor - she had heard a few rumours about Lord Morningstar, some good, others bad. She was always curious to hear the opinions of others, but she knew better than to listen to every whisper. Regardless of the rumours, this was a good opportunity to meet some new faces, to establish contacts of her own and most importantly, to have fun at her father's expense.

The coachman delivered a quick shout, declaring that the carriage would arrive in no more than an hour. She sighed with relief. She could not contain her excitement and quickly slid open the window next to her and glanced outside, witnessing the manor.

This stay had better be worth it she thought to herself while smiling.

Ben hops off the cart as it passes the manor, luckily the driver had been happy to bring him along, happy for some company to listen to his long, tedious life story.

'Maybe I should have paid for a carriage?' Ben thought wryly, brushing off his clothing in an effort to look presentable.

An invitation to gildcrypt manor from Lord Morningstar to the Winterstones, as the last of the Winterstones. Well the last not on the run for debts or crimes anyway; Ben decided to see what it was about?

'Oh well, free food and booze! Ben thought, channeling all the training in etiquette and manners his mother had forced on him as a child.

Ben dodges some passing carriages, making sure the dust kicked up doesn't get on his coat, and strolls up the long driveway, bag thrown over his shoulder.

Sitko seems to be the odd one out, arriving by foot rather than by carriage. She makes sure to slink to the side to allow the carriages past, and she even spits in their direction. she hated carriages, Why sit around when you had two feet to take you anyways? she thought.

Sitko notices the man arriving in a cart. not like those are any better, a waist of money... not like i spend mine on much anyways. she feels the bag at her hip, the contents of which were enough to turn any party... interesting.

As the five guests make their approach towards the manor gates, a rather old man stands alone beside it. He waits for all the guests to gather around before he made an announcement.

"Welcome, ladies and good gentleman. I greet you on Lord Morningstars behalf. I am his trusted retainer, Hennry L. Krafft. I have served my master for many years, just as I had his predecessors before him. I am here to collect your invitations, and after that, inform you of the rules you must follow during your stay. Now then," he says holding out a gloved hand, "May I have your names please?"

Sitko, the last to arrive but first to speak up, flips her read hair and bows. Lady, Sitko, Lillyfrond.

Arianne strides over and shakes his hand with a strong grip, possibly too much so. She fumbles in her heavy bag, nearly cutting herself on the edge of a chakram, before pulling out and handing over a tattered invitation. Only the expensive paper it was printed on has kept it from wearing away altogether.

"Lady Arianne Thornhild of Veldspar," she says. Now that she's gotten that particular mouthful out of the way, she will hopefully be able to convince her companions not to call her that.

She looks at the assembled group. Mostly women... perhaps Lord Morningstar is looking to get married? She expects the others, who look more put together, will have better luck. They are welcome to him.

"Bentley Winterstone II" Ben states politely, concealing his feelings on having to use his full name for the first time in many months.

He hands over his invitation and nods to the others, "Just call me Ben."

Don't worry Ari, Ben will definitely call you that.

Characters with nicknames, yay!

Ari decides to follow Ben's example and adds, "And you can call me Ari."

'Someone else saddled with a mouthful of a name.' Ben notes. Giving her friendly smile. "Good to meet you Ari."

Following the lead of the other guests, Beatrice steps forward and offers her invitation to the old man.
"Nice to meet you Hennry L. Krafft. You can call me Beatrice." She says while giggling slightly.
Beatrice then turns around and smiles at each of the other guests before returning to her original position.

Taking the invitations, the old man looks up and down over the attendees.
"Everything seems to be in order, so now I would like to Inform you of the three rules of your stay here. First, I'm afraid you must relinquish all but a single weapon. I understand this may be against your wishes, but Lord Morningstar wants to ensure order is kept within his home. Secondly, you will be here for a few days, as was noted in your invitation. Breakfast is at Six in the morning, lunch at noon, and dinner shal be at eight in the evening, as my Lord likes to eat closer to bed. Finally, and most importantly, each door has a different nob to mark access. A silver nob means anyone may enter, gold means you may only enter with Myself or the head maid Sylvia, and crystal means that you may not enter under any circumstances. I hope you all understand. Now then, are your ready to meet your host?"

The old man turns and slides a crystal key into the lock of the gate, and slowly pushes it open. On the other side, a massive villa looms ahead. It's walls appear to be made of polished black stone, almost as if it were shadow given physical form. An imposing pair of Crimson doors stands before you all. Beside it is a large chest.

"I must ask you to place all but your most desired weapon in the trunk here. Worry not, they will be quite safe in the master's private chamber."

Ben finds this rather presumptuous. "May I ask how you intend to disarm those of a more arcane bent?" He asks pointedly as he places his daggers in the trunk.

Ben keeps his sword cane with him. 'Breakfast at six? How barbaric. Is his private thought.

Ari gives her companions a small, closed-mouth smile, then wonders if there's something amiss about the whole situation. There seem to be an awful lot of rules. Will they really be dependent on the head servants to tote them around? It seems hard on them, when it must be busy enough taking care of a place this size.

She hasn't been to estate parties like this before, but her brother has talked about them, and she'd gotten the impression they were much more lively and involved a lot less taking your weapons from you. In fact, the way Rainer told it, the weapons were part of the fun! So was sleeping in, though she was used to a soldier's schedule.

She puts her dagger, her sling and her new, precious chakrams in the box but hesitates as she lowers in her bow.

"We will get a chance to hunt while we're here, right?" she asks hopefully, looking around the grounds. "I bet there's good game at a place like this."

Beatrice perks an eyebrow as she hears the three rules. She then looks to Ben and Ari to see their reactions while attempting to show her own displeasure with a look of disgust.

"A man with something to hide... intriguing." She says playfully.

She begins to unload her spring-loaded sheath and gently places the dagger that was set within into the trunk.

Ben smiles at Beatrice's remark. "I've always wanted to be a man of mystery." He says in good humor.

The old man turns first to Ben. "There is not anything we can do about those who wield spells as their weapon, but I must beg you not to use such power if possible while in the master's presence. He is quite a superstitious man, and dislikes arcane magic. When on your own, you are free to cast spells as you please."

Then he turns to Ari. "My dear lady, but of course! The master is a master huntsman, and he has quite a large hunting grounds in the rear of his manor. You will be allowed to hunt as long as you like, though the hunting weapons will be provided just before you depart. I assure you, my master has traveled all around the world, and has collected every weapon used to hunt since the dawn of the age, from spears to a modern musket. I hope you will enjoy the game we have to offer."

Suddenly the man looks around some what panicked. "Oh my, it seems there is someone missing! Master told me there were to be Five guests. Wee seem to be missing one Ayaki. None of you might happen to know where she may be, would you?"

Oopsie!
Ayaki walks onto the scene. It appears I am late, my deepest apologies. She bows, then stands up.

Sitko stays silent and shows her mace, hidden in her belt, only weapon I have, don't need any else where.

she watches the others mill about and talk. she figits with her hands, hopeing to down something soon, or at least get a drink...

hold on just a moment I'll be right back Sitko slips outside and to the side, where she pulls out a vial and begins mixing some chemicals together. it's her cognogen, Going Int with reduction to Str.

Hennry returns the bow Ayaki.

" No apologies necessary, I assure you. Now then, do you have your invitation? If so, please allow me to have it, and if you could please place all but a single weapon into the chest, that would be much appreciated.

The old butler pulls out a small silver box and opens it. Inside are six cigars.

"This is somewhat of a habit the young master's father has set apon me, but may I offer you all a cigar? The three on the left are of high quality tobacco, while the three on the right are of similar make, but have undergone a process to absorb pesh to enhance the flavor. Feel free to enjoy either, as the master has plenty in his private gardens."

Ayaki flashes her invitation. When Hennry asks her to give up all but one of her weapons, she shrugs. I only have one dagger. She shows the scabbard.

Ben takes a tobacco cigar and lights it. Enjoying the fine flavor.

'Pesh?' He thinks, 'Odd thing to be waving in front of guests.'

Ari sniffs lightly at the cigars. With a stronger sense of smell than a human, she finds them quite pungent. She pictures herself smoking a cigar and likes the idea of it but quickly gives it up when Ben lights his and her nose starts to itch.

"No, thank you," she says, then sneezes all over herself and whoever is unlucky enough to be standing next to her. "Sorry! Sorry!" She wipes her nose on her sleeve.

Ben apologizes, and moves to where the smoke isn't affecting Ari. 'At least they don't make me ill anymore.' He thinks, remembering his first cigar, swiped as a child and ending up with him turning green after his first trial puff.

Beatrice offers a gentle smile as she picks up one of the cigars. She was never a fan of smoking tobacco.

"Thank you. I will hold onto this for later if you do not mind." She states as she picks up one of the tobacco cigars and stores it for later use.

"So then, when will we have a chance to meet this Lord Morningstar? I am quite eager to finally meet him." She says, while doing her best not to sound rude.

The old man turns to the group, pulls out a pocket watch, and checks the time.
"It is currently 7:50 in the morning. Seeing as how you have missed breakfast, the lord will want to wait till lunch to introduce himself to you. Until then, I shal show you to your rooms and all the places you may go on your own. Then, I shall give a tour of all the locations on the grounds that require an escort of myself, Sylvia, or the master himself."

He turns and takes out a golden key this time, and unlocks the large oak door, and silently pushes it open. The gestures for you all to enter. Inadequate is a massive foyer filled with exotic paintings from all around the world. Some depict bloody battle and horrible cases of death, while others show peaceful glades, or scenes of people enjoying a sunny afternoon.

There are many doors on both the left and right walls, each closed and with a silver nob. On the norther wall is a grand staircase bade of strong dark oak, the handrails gilded with a dull gold. However, between the front door and the stairs, right in the middle of the room, is a large brass poll that goes from the floor all the way into a large hole In the ceiling.

Sitko slips in just in time to grab a cigar from the right, she smells it to test it's potency. i don't know if a knowledge would apply to this so i'm using Sitko's alchemy skill
Alchemy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

once she has determined the exact potency she smiles and puts the cigar in her belt pouch. might you be needing more pesh? or perhaps a more potent drug? i know a few people who can supply flayleaf.

The old man chuckled roughly at the offer.
"My dear lady, your offer is much appreciated, but the master grows all of his own natural resources, and has kept the suppliers of the more archaic substances from his father. Trust me Lady Sitko, you will never again have a chance to have such a perfect mixture of aged spice wine and fresh Lunar Naga venom. The effects of such divine nectar can leave even the most bloodthirsty Orc in a dream so welcome, they wouldn't harm a butterfly."

Sitko smiles at those words. oh, I usually don't take what I don't make myself, but you've made such a nice offer! I may have to take a look at these fine Wines myself...
Sitko looks at Ayaki and winks, although not subtlety. just as well, i may have to ask for your hand in business, these Pesh cigars might just make us some gold... she turns to the others and realizes that she may be spouting out a little too much. as long as you have no problems with that...

Ayaki grins a little. Of course. Though we should discuss this another time. I wouldn't like to mix business and pleasure.

Ari nods to acknowledge Ben's apology, then follows Hennry in, perking up a little at the talk of the spice wine.

She half-listens to Sitko and Ayaki's conversation. Does everyone know each other except me?

There's a lot to see in the hall they've stepped into, but her eyes are drawn to the pole, following it up and then squinting in confusion at the hole.

"What's that for? Where does it lead?" she asks.

"That is the central access pole. I goes from here all the way too the roof, but is only used to move down, as the pole is made of polished brass. The master always enjoyed quirky ideas such as this, though they all seem to work, one way or another."

Ayaki chuckles. Oooh.. sounds fun. May i try?

Sitko chuckles. "To be honest, I thought it just a support! now anyways, might we be shown to our rooms? I'd like some time to relax. I did walk here and my outfit is a bit dirty... where are the bathing chambers, by chance? it would do me, and I'm sure a few others in the group-" sitko glances at the half-orc as she says"others" "- some good to rid ourselves of the stench of the road..."

"But of course. The guest rooms are just up the stairs and in the left wing. Feel free to choose any room you like. Some have two beds if any of you would like to share a room, but most have a single bed. Each room has a small private bath, while there is also a larger group bath house just outside in the back gardens. The Master is quite fond of relaxing there with guests, so he always simply bathes there by choice."

The old man checks his pocket watch, and addresses the group.

"Now then, if you will all excuse me, I have matters that need attending. If you need any help or information, simply ring the small silver bell in each room. All staff wear enchanted rings that allow them to appear instantly in the room that the bell was rung, provided they were the closest one. All in all, I hope you all enjoy your stay, and bid you good day."

Ben politely allows the ladies to chose rooms before him, he takes one with a single bed, refreshing himself with a quick wash in the bathroom.

His mind working busily over the many oddities that have been presented to the party so far.

He does return and take a few cigars though, those are pretty good.

Beatrice politely nods as she dismisses herself to one of the single rooms. She closes the door behind her and takes a look around, satisfied with the furniture and utilities provided in the room. She then goes to the bathroom to readjust her make-up.

I still have no idea who this Lord Morningstar is or what he looks like. I wonder if any of the others are acquainted with him.

She then retreats back to her bed and sits on it before collapsing back.

"At least the beds are comfortable." She says, smiling to herself.

What time is it currently in-game?

Ayaki chooses a room with a single bed. She slips in the bath and relaxes. Aaaahhhh... Lord Morningstar seems to have no malicious intrntions... though he has a lot of secrets.

One of those, is she? Ari glares at the woman impugning her smell - certainly her travel method provided the best opportunities for cleaning - then takes a single room.

She decides to head to the bath house in case it affords her the opportunity to meet the mysterious Lord Morningstar already.

Sitko slips into a room with a single bed, she locks the door, or at least bars it before reverting into her true form. she tosses her clothes on the bed and slips into the bath provided. she sorts through her belongings as she uses the soaps to wash her fur. it's a relief to finally be back in my real body! she thinks to herself. she looks at the Pesh cigar and huffs. i think I'll stick to my own for now... she pulls out a vial and infuses the contents with her pysionic energy before downing the liquid it's "polypurpose panacea"- the intoxicating kind( gives her a good buzz) once her head is fully immersed in the intoxication, she lets her mind flow... and her body becomes relaxed...

I'm having some IRL issues for the next week or two, I'll post when i can, but you may have to bot me :)

Ayaki slips into her clothes. Lying on the bed, she thinks to herself Why is Sitko here? Business? Or something else?

I'll say it is about 8:30 when you all get settled. I'll keep updating the time so you know when lunch is. Till then, you are all free to do as you please. Also if my posts are slow coming, it's because college is still a bit hectic. Have fun!

Sitko puts on her clothes, and returns once more to her human form. her head still buzzing, she opens her door and wanders to the room Ayaki had chosen she knocks once and waits a second before knocking up a storm, making sure each tap was soft and delicate. Helloooooo, Ayaki? i know you're in there, i came over to ask you a few questions... and to possibly answer some of yours... if you're not naked that is... that would be weird! Sitko giggles to herself and knocks one final time.

Ayaki rushes to the door, and opens it. Hello Sitko! Closing the door, she gestures to the nearest chair (or the bed if there isn't any chair) Come, sit. She she waits until Sitko sits before sitting herself. So.... what brings you here?

Basic room layout: Large king sized bed against the northern wall, with mahogany night stands on each side. To the left (when facing the bed) is the door to the private bath. The eastern (or western wall if you chose a room on the left side of the hall) is all one big glass door, each opening to a balcony overlooking the gardens, (or staff house on the west side, though it too is very lavish).

There are two large lavender armchairs near a small fireplace, and a small bookshelf sits opposite the bed. Scenic portraits are dotted across all three walls.

Sicko takes a seat and flicks her hair. why, I was going to ask the same question! Surly I wasn't the only one invited. I thought perhaps business, when I saw you that just confirmed my idea... but then I saw the others, particularly that man. Looks like a customer rather than a seller... and the orc, ugh the ugly lot...

Ayaki smiles a bit at Sitko's insult. The reason I'm here is very mysterious. A lot like our host.

Ben takes a stroll in the gardens, he's looking around, seeing who else is at the manor. And looking for some food.